This very beautiful box was made I believe during the 1840s to the 1850s. 
 
I’m sure it’s no later as it wears a label very similar to their first boxes, one of which is also listed in my shop, except now it shows evidence of the Royal warrant granted to them in 1841. 
 
In truth if I were to push myself I would say with a good deal of confidence that this lovely thing was made during the 1840s. 
The box is constructed from Mahogany and of a better quality than their later ones. This one has a definite Georgian feel about it. 
The condition is I believe very good and has been carefully looked after. I think the ebony’s strips on the edges are mostly original but I think perhaps 2 or 3 short pieces have had attention or been replaced. Though they do look good. The box appears sound and very ready for another 100 years of work at least. 
 
The label is to me gorgeous and of a lovely unfaded Cobalt blue with gold foil decoration. It does show some wear on its edges of course but has been very carefully and sensitively conserved some time ago and is as I say beautiful. 
 
There are a good selection of paint cakes here and some appear to be original or nearly so to the box and show the Winsor and Newton name. However I’m sure all of the others are vintage also. 
The palette/ mixing tray is present as can be seen but is not labelled as is often the case. It’s condition is generally very good though there is a shallow dark line that is either a surface crack in the glaze or a scratch. Either way it has over the years collected dirt and looks an awful lot worse than it is. Whatever it is it doesn’t travel through to the other side. It is definitely quite strong and I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to use it. 
 
The Mahogany lifter for the palette has at some time had its ribbons replaced and appear strong and are of course indispensable. 
The lower drawer is also lovely and contains a mixing four section disc. This is later in date but still antique and made by Clifford Milburn who was another quite prolific supplier also of London. Another very old mixing dish is also present. 
 
Another lovely feature is that the original ring pull handle is still present on the drawers front. I don’t know where they go but very often they are missing. 
 
All in all this is a delightful item that has a lovely graceful presence and ooze’s old world charm supported by wonderful quality from one of the greatest makers of such items. 
 
Someone said to me recently that they are the vintage Bentleys of paint boxes!
Approx, 
             21 x 14.5x 6.5cm